Can Robitussin AC be bought without a prescription?
Question posted by primetimegrape on 20 Aug 2011
Last updated on 18 January 2020 by anghow71
I have read this on several websites and it states it also in Wikipedia. I am confused because this medicine has codeine in it, yet it says u can buy 4 ounces at the pharmacy if u are over 18? It reads like this:Robitussin DAC (more commonly known as its generic form, Cheratussin DAC) is an exempt narcotic cold medicine, which is available in the United States in a solution. A version without pseudoephedrine is called Robitussin AC. Cherastussin DAC and AC are manufactured by Qualitest. Under U.S. federal law, up to four ounces can be purchased within a 48 hour period without prescription, provided the purchaser is at least 18 years of age, sign a log book, and provide identification if not known to the ..
I'm a pharmacist in Ohio and it is legal to buy 4 ounce bottles of cheratussin AC that are labeled for over the counter use. You can buy 1 every 48 hours. You have to provide state identification and sign a narcotics purchase log book.
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goldpro700
27 Sep 2019
Not sure where in NM you can buy any "AC" cough medicine. None of the major pharmacies sell it OTC and all of them require a prescription. Wish they did. I had throat surgery years ago and every time I get a cold I go through living hell with coughing.
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kelseyb1989
26 June 2019
Yes, Cheratussin AC can be bought over the counter in the United States DEPENDING on the state you live in. I live in New Mexico and have bought it many times when I get I bad cough. It is composed of guafenisin and codeine, though it’s a weak amount of codeine so don’t plan on getting high off of it. They do keep track of who buys it and you can buy one bottle (4oz or so) every 4 days, and you have to sign your name. If you aren’t sure whether it is legal in your state I recommend just going and asking the pharmacist. You can look online as well but you’ll have lots more success just asking especially because laws change. But if your cough is really dry and bad then it’s best to just go to a doctor. Good luck!
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Khh1997
22 Jan 2019
Just got some guaifenesin with codeine at a local drug store in a four ounce bottle with no prescription, so either it's true or my drug store is openly breaking the law. You do have to show ID and sign for it.
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DrPill
26 April 2018
The codeine containing cough syrups are available for over-the-counter purchase in federal pharmacy law, it similar to the process of buying Sudafed. Because of the codeine component, it is a controlled substance and some states have classified this in their pharmacy laws as prescription only.
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My pain crisis
18 Feb 2018
Yes you can buy Robitussin with codeine without a prescription but with that been said any pharmacist has the right to refuse to sell it to you. My pharmacist refuses to sell it to just any one who walks in his door you must be a very long time customer for him to do so. We’ve never been told no but we’ve been with his community pharmacy from the day he opened his door
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whitebuffalo_357
16 Nov 2018
What state do you live in, and have you purchased recently?
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Nayasmommy37
14 Jan 2018
I'm not sure about that RX, but I did buy OTC cough syrup that has Codeine and Guaifensesin at my pharmacy today. They had to see my ID, and both myself and the pharmacist had to sign the log book. I think it all depends on the pharmacy and the state laws. I hope that helps!
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whitebuffalo_357
16 Nov 2018
What state do you live in please, and have you purchased this recently?
LE
Lemaster8034
7 Jan 2018
Here in Illinois you can buy Chertussin A/C (Vertussin A/C) OTC in the special 4 OZ bottles but no chain pharmacy's will carry it like Wal-Greens, Wal-Mart Kroger CVS etc. You have to go to the small mom and pop pharmacy or small independent pharmacy not in big cities small towns. I get it here all the time in the special 4 oz. bottle. It is a "Exempt Schedule 5" narcotic cough syrup because it has less than 30 MG of Codeine Phosphate in this preparation. The requirements are you have to be 18 with a valid state ID or Drivers License, and you can buy only 1 4 Oz bottle every 48 hours. Remember the pharmacist can sell this at his or her discretion too. Its also good to build a good and stable relationship with the pharmacist or owner as well. The pharmacy I get this at I have been doing business there for 4 years and know the pharmacist and owner really well. You also have to sign the Pseudoephedrine log as you would if you brought Claritin D.
Here in Illinois this is an Exempt Narcotic. This is 100% true as for the price it ranges from $11.50 to $15.00 a bottle. Hope this helps.
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PantyHoseWearer
6 Sep 2017
It is considered a Schedule 5 (or V) OTC drug and may be purchased periodically in 4 oz bottles (2 oz in Florida). Has been that way for years. I can't find any place in Marion county which will sell it that way. Many surrounding county pharmacies will sell it. I used to get it often but it is getting more and more difficult to find, although the price has went down last time I got some. Many pharmacist and MDs don't even know it can be sold this way. A Walgreens pharmacist once called the police on me for asking to buy some.
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Ewyrembelski
2 May 2017
Yes in 4 oz bottles however the pharmacist can decide if they want to sell it to you or not but I just tried to buy some in Ohio at a rite aid they said they don't sell it. Not sure if this is valid or they just don't so I'll call another pharmacy to verify if the law has changed or different from Michigan which is where I worked in the past as a pharm tech
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mmm0054
7 April 2017
It's actually true! I just learned this last semester (I'm in pharmacy school) and while most pharmacies won't do it, I actually was able to find some independents that would! 4 ounce limit. 18, ID, the whole 9... but it's true!!
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LeeSN
28 March 2017
Yes, it can be purchased OTC w/o a prescription. At least where I live in NC. I had to buy some today (I am well over 18 if any kids are reading this and getting any ideas). Most chain pharmacies don't carry it: your best bet is to try a local mom & pop pharmacy. They keep it behind the pharmacy counter and it's sold in a 4 oz. bottle.
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Ahockeyluvr
22 Oct 2016
I bought some last week. None of the chain pharmacies carry it, but I know of 2 local pharmacies that carry it in my hometown in NC.
I used to buy temparin hydrate back in the eighties without a prescription so it is probably true. I had to sign a book and show an ID
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Wheathcoat
20 Feb 2016
It is an exempt narcotic and can be purchased OTC in most states at the discretion of the pharmacist for people over 18. Many chain pharmacies will not fill it any longer, but it is not difficult to find a local pharmacy that will fill this OTC. There are restrictions, such as limitations to how many ounces of codeine and how frequent this can be filled. At purchase, you typically have to present your DL and sign since this is tracked to limit how often you purchase this medication.
